Last Night: Morrissey at SMU McFarlin Auditorium

Morrissey crooned the lyrics of The Smith's "I Know It's Over" to a packed SMU McFarland Auditorium last night "...tonight is just like any other night" he sang, as three security guards escorted a shirtless man up the center left aisle. The crowd swayed back and forth, attention fixated on the icon as he sang about the inevitability of death, crossing himself before the crowd erupted into applause. Truth is, last night wasn't just like any other night.

The night was filled with personal messages from Morrissey, "I was up incredibly late last night, watching the Occupy Dallas stuff on the news ... and it just reminded me that people are the same everywhere" he said before diving into "People Are The Same Everywhere." The crowd, ranging in age from early 20s to late 60s, responded with cheers, some even sang out as Morrissey nonchalantly swung his mic around stage belting out "It's a shame, it's a shame..."

As to be expected, the icon touched on the subject of politics too, "So, I was watching Cocoon on TV last night, you know that movie about all the senior citizens, except it wasn't actually Cocoon, it was the Republican presidential line-up. Have we really come to this?" His rhetorical question was followed by another: "Are you really going to vote for Barack Obama's teeth again?" He then launched into "Action is My Middle Name."

The most intense delivery of any message last night, though, was during the performance of "Meat Is Murder."

"And while we're on the subject of Thanksgiving, I have this to say, surprisingly ..." The spotlights fell, and red washed over Morrissey and his backing band. A video of chickens, and cows being slaughtered for food flashed behind the performer as he sang about his disapproval of killing animals for food. The performance was heavy and left the crowd nearly silent. He picked the mood up and took everybody to church with a soulful performance of "Everyday is Like Sunday."

The singer performed an eclectic array of material from his extensive catalog and ended the night with an encore in which he changed out of his black V-neck sweater and sported a light blue polyester button down that was unbuttoned down to his sternum. Morrissey took a bow, buttoned one more button up and launched into The Smith's "Still Ill." He then ripped off his shirt -- baring a very toned body -- tossed it into the crowd, crossed himself and exited the stage.

Concert goers were handed PETA pamphlets as they swarmed the merch table.

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The most mediocre Moz show I've ever been to, wasn't thrilled with the setlist... it's like he chose all the most MEH songs and performed them... But I can forgive Morrissey anything and still worship him. However, can we all agree how much the venue sucked?! It would have been nice to have been warned there was no 'in and out' before entering. Especially since the only 'refreshment' available was a rusty old water fountain. No drinks, not even bottles water... And the security was acting like they were protecting Fort Knox about it, with attitude from every staff member I encountered. I understand they are used to dealing with college kids, but when the average audience member is at least 40... treating your patrons like children is not cool. I definitely won't be back to McFarlin barring the actual Smiths appearing.

I thought it was a typical Morrissey concert. As in great. BUT, the talent should stay out of world politics. Morrissey, to correct the reviewer, compared Occupy Dallas to street movements in Bahrain, Syria and Libya. Folks in Dallas giving up proper flush toilets versus people killed in the streets for freedom are so fare apart. But, I love Morrissey, so I'll forgive a little juvenility.

@Victor I totally disagree. I thought it was a great show, and the best set list he has delivered Dallas in years. (Also, pretty sure he didn't "forget" the lyrics. From the front, it was clear he was stunned by how many fans were having to be forcibly removed by the security for climbing over the rails -- specifically one girl's poor attempt. )

Drove up from Houston, have to say a rather disappointing show..18 songs 1:15 minutes of music.,he seemed off his game to my group..how does he forget lyrics to First Of The Gang..at one point, he seemed to be smirking at the crowd as if to say, "I can't believe ur paying me to half ass perform this shit." Though there were a couple of highlights..the aforementioned I Know It's Over, Speedway, Fatty, Maladjusted, and Still Ill..overall I think this is my last Mozzy show...as he so famously sang " Your royalties bring you luxuries." Well, seems that's all he's playing for these days.